[I’ve always regretted not properly acknowledging the Duke’s contributions. Please attend this hard-earned event. It won’t be a bad opportunity for the Duchess and the lovely child either.]

“What an obvious ploy.”

The Emperor, calculating that Lahart would never come alone, used Iren and Rian as bait. It was a cunning trick that was almost infuriating.

Lahart crumpled the letter. The paper was crushed miserably in his fist. The rustling sound made Rian stir. Lahart patted Rian’s belly, putting him back to sleep. With a clumsy but loving touch, Rian drifted back into his dreams. Seeing the peaceful Rian, Lahart’s irritation gradually subsided.

Thinking calmly, the Emperor’s suggestion wasn’t a bad opportunity. As much as he had avoided various events, so had Iren. She hadn’t even attended a simple tea party, let alone a ball.

Blaming it on the northern region’s distance from the capital was an excuse, since the nobles with estates near Sirencia often held gatherings.

Iren had been confined to the cold, dreary ducal residence entirely due to his possessiveness.

At that time, he thought it was a petty act of revenge, but in reality, he just didn’t want to show Iren to anyone else. Why didn’t he realize earlier that he liked her so much that he couldn’t tolerate even a moment of someone else’s gaze on her? If he had realized a little earlier, if he had acknowledged that there was affection along with his vengeful feelings, he could have done more for her.

Lahart stroked Rian’s small hand. The child Iren had raised with such care was the same.

Iren must have done everything she could for Rian, but she could only do so much since she was running from him. Their first meeting with Rian hadn’t been pleasant.

“Kids without dads all say that, don’t they? In truth, you need a dad, right?”

Thinking back to when Rian was dealing with lowly kids in the alley, Lahart’s eyes flashed.

No, no. He was the one who’s more fundamentally wrong than those kids. Didn’t he make Iren flee with his child?

Lahart thought carefully, being cautious not to squeeze Rian’s hand too tightly.

He wanted to give them only good things from now on, as much as he hadn’t been able to until now. He would make sure no one could dare ignore or mistreat them.

In that sense, taking them to the Emperor’s event was an effective method. It was time to properly use the power of the name of Cardius.

Of course, this was only if Iren and Rian wanted it.

He would have to discuss it with Iren when she returned. How should he phrase it to make it seem like a discussion rather than a coercion?

For the first time in his life, Lahart pondered intensely over the way he expressed himself. Rian, unaware of Lahart’s struggle, was busy dreaming happily on his lap.

* * *

“A ball?”

“A ball.”

Iren, who had returned from inspecting the food storage construction site, tilted her head.

Lahart was waiting in her office, seemingly ready for an important conversation, but a ball was an unexpected topic.

When Iren took off her coat, Lahart naturally approached and took it from her. Iren was about to habitually thank him.

“No need for thanks. It’s not a big deal.”

“But still. You’re being considerate of me.”

“You should get used to it. Unless you plan to thank me every time.”

Iren quietly smiled. Lahart’s tone was still stiff, but his eyes were soft, making him seem less sharp than before.

“Let’s sit first. Then we can talk.”

“Alright. Where’s Rian?”

“He’s asleep in his room. He was practicing too hard.”

“He just wants to be praised by the Duke. Please praise him a lot.”

Following Lahart’s suggestion, Iren sat in the chair and found an envelope on top of the documents. Turning it over, she saw it was sealed with the imperial family crest.

Could it be related to the ball Lahart mentioned? When she looked at him, he nodded.

“It seems they sent one to you as well. Read it.”

Iren was a bit surprised when she opened the letter. The sender was the Empress. Although it was a letter from the Empress, the round handwriting made it feel light and cheerful.

After quickly reading the letter, Iren looked back at Lahart. Naturally, her gaze met Lahart’s, who was standing close and looking down at her.

“Since His Majesty arranged this for the Duke, you should attend.”

“And you?”

“I have things to do… and I need to take care of Rian.”

“Can’t I bring Rian along?”

“No. It would be better if Rian and I don’t go.”

Although the Empress had invited Iren and Rian, the main character of this event was Lahart. If she took Rian, it would surely have a negative impact on Lahart.

She might be recognized as the Duchess in Sirencia, but outside, there were still those who saw her as the Duchess who committed infidelity and ran away. It hadn’t been long since the remaining members of Phaeson caused trouble.

She was used to the malice directed at her, but she couldn’t bear the thought of Rian being treated that way.

“Iren.”

Lahart leaned on the desk with one hand and bent down. A heavy scent lingered from his close proximity.

Iren lowered her eyes slightly. She never knew what to do when he closed the distance like this. But since she was sitting in the chair, there was a limit to how much she could lean back, so Lahart got closer and closer to her.

“Do as you wish. If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to force yourself. So don’t make such a face.”

“Did my expression look strange?”

“You looked sad and troubled. I didn’t ask to make you sad.”

Lahart’s hand caressed Iren’s cheek. Iren leaned into the warmth of his hand for a moment. A gentle voice poured out as if he had been waiting.

“You don’t have to endure anything. You don’t have to bear it.”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

Her heart, which had frozen imagining the cold stares from all directions, melted. Iren closed her eyes and whispered.

“Thank you for asking first.”

If it were the old Lahart, this would have been unthinkable. If he had deemed it necessary, he would have dragged her along no matter what. She would have been more hurt by Lahart’s actions than by other people’s criticisms.

But not anymore. Lahart genuinely tried to be on her and Rian’s side.

“There’s no need to thank me. It’s a right you should naturally enjoy.”

“There are too many things I shouldn’t do.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

Lahart sighed softly. His breath, mixed with his scent, tickled her cheek. When Iren laughed softly, his fingers touched her lips. The slow motion revealed an unmistakable deep emotion.

“It’s alright.”

“That’s a relief.”

Lahart lifted Iren’s chin with a meaningful remark. Their lips met slowly.

As if seeking her permission, his moist tongue sensually licked her lower lip. Hesitantly, Iren slightly parted her lips.

“Ah…”

Lahart’s tongue found its way inside. Their wet tongues intertwined stickily.

Iren gripped the armrest of the chair tightly. Lahart’s hand covered hers. Their fingers intertwined as firmly as their tongues.

The long, persistent kiss devoured even the last bit of breath. Her mind went blank, and her heart was filled with Lahart’s scent.

Eventually, out of breath, Iren pushed Lahart away first.

“I have one complaint.”

With reddened eyes, Iren looked at Lahart with a dreamy gaze. Lahart lowered his head and buried his face in her neck. The sensation of his heated lips against her skin sent shivers down her spine.

“How long will you call me that?”

It was too thick an expression of affection to be a simple request to call him by his name. Iren covered her mouth with one hand to stifle any sound. Even then, when Lahart moved further down, she hurriedly grabbed his shoulder.

“I have a good idea.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“The banquet.”

Lahart frowned. He had refrained from physical contact beyond kissing to avoid making Iren uncomfortable. But now that he had gotten closer to Iren, he didn’t want to be interrupted for such a reason.

“Didn’t we already decide not to attend?”

“There is one more person whose opinion we need to hear.”

* * *

“I want to go! Rian wants to go!”

As soon as he heard about it after waking up from his nap, Rian jumped up and down. Lahart, who was already grumpy from not getting what he wanted, became even more sullen.

“Do you really want to go?”

“Yes! I like parties. I want to go again. There are lots of delicious things and many people. Everyone greets Rian.”

“There will be lots of delicious things, but also many bothersome things.”

“Duke.”

Iren reproached Lahart, who was trying to dampen the mood. Lahart avoided her gaze without giving a proper answer. Of course, Lahart’s tactic didn’t work. Rian was already excited about the thought of going to the party.

“Mom, Mom.”

“Yes?”

“To go to the party, I need to wear nice clothes.”

“Well, that’s true. You’ll look even better in nice clothes.”

“So, Rian will go pick out clothes now!”

“Already? The party is still a long way off…”

Before Iren could finish her sentence, Rian dashed out of the room. Jane, who was waiting outside, was startled to see Rian burst out.

“Oh my, where are you rushing off to, young master?”

“Clothes, clothes!”

“Pardon? Clothes? What clothes?”

“Rian is going to the party. Aunt Jane, pick out clothes with Rian! Hurry, hurry.”

“What party all of a sudden… Alright, young master. Go slowly! You’ll fall!”

Rian practically dragged Jane to the dressing room.

Iren and Lahart, who had come out of the room to watch them, looked at each other and burst into laughter simultaneously.

“He seems happy to be invited. It’s the first time he’s received an invitation from someone else.”

“If it’s an invitation, I can give him one too.”

“It’s different from receiving it from the Duke. Since you have to attend, let’s all go together.”

“Isn’t it too much?”

Iren shook her head. Lahart’s expression was still stiff, showing he was concerned.

Iren decided to share more of her thoughts. She knew that just enduring and not speaking up wasn’t the best way.